While it is no doubt worth cheering the fact that coal electricity production is on the decline, the news isn’t quite as rosy as we would like to think. The EIA says that the decrease in coal electricity can be contributed to an increase in generation by other energy sources. And while we would love to think this means solar, water, and wind, the EIA specifies that natural gas is the source that has seen the largest increase.

Even more disheartening, the EIA estimates that coal electricity production will actually increase 25 percent over the next twenty years if we continue on this same energy path. To be frank, this is unsurprising given the new crusade to shut down nuclear plants and our government’s lack of initiative on renewable energy projects. Plus, there are still plenty of new coal developments underway. In fact, the largest coal terminal in North America is currently being planned for Washington. Oy.

But if we take strong action to speed the development of clean energy projects, we can obviously reverse this trend toward more fossil fuel electricity. Smart, environmentally inclined people (like you!) know that the fastest way for us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and curb global warming is to stop using fossil fuels.

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caemanAugust 10, 2011 at 11:05 am

The quickest way to reduce fossil fuel use is for individuals to stop using them. When you stop using then, you reduce the demand for its use. When demand lowers enough, they stop using as much fossil fuels. The Powers That Be must respond to energy demands with what they have on hand. Solar, wind and other are good FUTURE technologies, but they are in their infancy and are prone to environment lawsuits.

There is no reason why the American west shouldn’t already be covered with wind generators. What is the problem? They interfere with birds. They make too much noise. They are ugly. The animal activists are at odds with the energy activists. Alternative energy is a great thing, but no one wants in their back yard.